However, there are also differences between acommercial auto insurance policy and your personal auto policy that may include eligibility, definitions, coverages, exclusions, and limits.
Most Commercial Auto policies are "named driver only" policies, meaning only those drivers listed on the policy can operate a covered auto.

What are the coverages?

Bodily injury liability coverage – This pays for bodily injury or death resulting from an accident for which you are at fault and provides you with a legal defense.

Property damage liability coverage – Property damage liability coverage provides you with protection if your car accidentally damages another person’s property. It also provides you with a legal defense.

Combined single limit (CSL) – Liability policies typically offer separate limits that apply to bodily injury claims for property damage. A combined single limits policy has the same dollar amount of coverage per covered occurrence whether bodily injury or property damage, one person or several.

Medical payments, no-fault or Personal Injury Coverage – This extremely important coverage usually pays for the medical expenses of the driver and passengers in your car incurred as a result of a covered accident regardless of fault.

Uninsured motorist coverage – This coverage pays for your injuries and, in some circumstances, certain property damage caused by an uninsured or a hit-and-run driver. In some cases, underinsured motorist coverage is also included. This is for cases in which the at-fault driver has insufficient insurance.

Comprehensive physical damage coverage – This pays for damage to or replacement of your car from theft, vandalism, flood, fire, and other covered perils.

Collision coverage – Just like the name sounds, this pays for damage to your car when it hits or is hit by another object.

Are there commercial truck insurance policies available?

Tow truck insurance: If your business involves towing vehicles, you’ll need special policies in place. These include On Hook Towing (to cover damages caused to vehicles that you tow) and Garagekeeper’s Legal Liability (covers your business when you store cars for parking or service).

Bobtail or non-trucking liability insurance: This type of coverage protects your vehicle if you’re using it for personal use and you are involved in an accident.

Motor truck cargo insurance: Does your business involve moving cargo? You’ll need a special policy to protect you in the event that damages are caused to the cargo.

Types of vehicles covered

Commercial Auto Insurance covers a variety of vehicles that you rely on to serve your customers. Often times, these vehicles include trucks such as:

GreatFlorida Insurance can guide you through the process of setting up suitable Commercial Auto or Business Insurance coverage for your company. We offer competitive rates from A+ rated insurance companies to fit into your business' needs.

This year’s Florida legislative session was filled with hostility and drama. The standard 60-day session ended three days early due to contention between the House and Senate on Medicaid Expansion. Without a state budget passed, a Special Session was called June 1 -20. An early end to the session, along with a stalemate, doomed many bills. This year there were many proposal casualties.

PASSED – NEW LAWS

Ticket quotas cannot be used to generate revenue for police departments.

States, counties and cities can only buy American made flags- a patriotic move

Attention craft beer lovers, 64 ounces of beer, known as “growlers” can finally be sold in Florida.

Drones cannot take pictures on private property; violators will not be arrested but can be sued.

Gay people can adopt children.

Florida school districts can start the school year as early as August 10.

Scale back testing in public schools

Tax cuts-about $400 million in tax cuts with sales tax holidays and a tax cut to cable, TV and cellphone services.

CASUALTIES

Comprehensive state water policy

Medicaid Expansion

Prison Reform

Texting while driving considered a primary offense

Abolishment of the death penalty

Equal pay for women on state contracts

Education– school choice, eliminating sales tax on student textbooks, mandatory uniforms for K-8, a minimum $50,000 salary for new teachers, concealed weapons to be carried by designated employees on school property in K-12 schools, ban on concealed weapons on college campuses

Undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver’s license.

Tupelo honey designated as the official state honey

Expansion of gambling- a victory for Disney and other’s wanting to maintain a family friendly state environment

Our knowledgeable agents have 115 offices located throughout Florida. Reliability is a must for our customers. We provide 24-hour service, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The right insurance coverage can give your clients peace of mind, knowing their investment is protected.

Getting a ride somewhere has been made easier than ever thanks to ride-sharing programs such as Uber and Lyft. The apps are convenient, but what happens if you are in an accident? Who is responsible for the damages is the source of debate in Florida.

Uber states, “From the moment you are picked up until you are dropped off, you are covered under our commercial liability insurance, every trip in every city.” Uber and Lyft riders are covered under a one million dollar policy that covers riders. This is more auto insurance coverage than taxis or limos. They also have added uninsured and under insured motorist coverage.

According to The Insurance Journal, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, Deputy Chief of Staff, Monte Stevens said the Uber policy meets the state insurance requirements. So what is the problem?

“The uncertainty comes into play for drivers, when they are logged into the app but are waiting for a rider,” said Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance. “During this period, a driver’s personal car insurance is responsible for damages. Unfortunately, many personal auto insurance policies would be likely to deny the claim because the driver is logged into the app, so it would fall into the commercial driving category. During that time Uber’s policy is “contingent,” leaving gray area.”

Many Florida lawmakers are arguing, “Is this considered a taxi service or carpooling service?’ The state is deliberating new insurance requirements and ride-sharing regulation. Uber is hoping to get the issues picked up in the special June legislative sessions but it is unlikely that ride-sharing will be addressed by lawmakers until the 2016 session.

Each year many Florida drivers commit a transgression resulting in the loss of their driver’s license. Thankfully, forgiveness is extended by the state in the form of an SR22 or FR44. To help get their license get reinstated and put drivers back on the road, GreatFlorida Insurance has launched a new website, SR22.greatflorida.com.

The new website provides information specific for Florida drivers who find themselves in need of an SR22 or an FR44. “Our insurance company has been providing auto insurance to high risk drivers in Florida for years, despite the reluctance of many insurance companies to deal with these challenging circumstances. We feel the new website will share with the public our services and help by providing accurate information that is exclusive to Florida motorists,” said Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance.

A popular misconception about an SR22 and FR44, they are not insurance but actually a certificate of financial responsibility. It informs the state that you have purchased the appropriate insurance limits required to drive. The certificate is filed by your insurance agent electronically directly to the state. This alerts the state that you are maintaining continuous insurance coverage.

An SR22 can be mandated by the courts for a number of reasons including: excessive tickets and previously driving without insurance. Florida is one of the few states that necessitates an FR44. An FR44 is mandatory for those who have committed a DUI. While they detail new and possibly higher insurance limits, neither of the certificates place restrictions on your driver’s license.

For more information on obtaining an SR22 or FR44, you can visit the new website, http://sr22.greatflorida.com/, where you will find answers to many of your questions.

GreatFlorida Insurance is insurance for Floridians by Floridians. Since 1991, we have faithfully served Florida residents and their insurance needs. Unlike many insurance companies in the state, we are a network of independent, franchised insurance agents located in communities across Florida. This means we are not bound to one company to fulfill your insurance requirements, but we can shop around to find the best coverage and price for you. This flexibility allows GreatFlorida Insurance agents to craft a custom insurance policy specific for your needs, not just offer a standard insurance policy.

It is savvy to make informed decisions about your insurance. GreatFlorida agents are there to guide you every step of the way by giving you options and simplifying the process of buying insurance. Contact us online or give us a call today.

The Florida 2015 Legislative Session is underway. During the next 60 days, officials will decide and debate, on close to the 1,100 bills filed according to Florida Politics.com.

“This legislative session, lawmakers will reexamine some issues from last year as well as introduce new ones. GreatFlorida Insurance wants to keep our agents and customers updated on the issues that are important to you,” said Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance.

Some of the hotly contested issues on the agenda this session include the following:

Budget-Florida law requires an annual state budget passed every year. Governor Rick Scott’s proposed budget includes $673 million in tax cuts. He wants to see reductions in cell phone and cable and satellite TV bills as well as manufacturing and machinery and equipment. He also wants to eliminate sales tax on college text books and increase a corporate tax exemption.

Water and Land-Last year, 75 percent of Florida voters said they want to put $1 billion towards water and land conservation projects. Lawmakers must decide which projects get that money. Proposed projects include: Everglades clean-up, stormwater and land acquisitions and beach restoration.

Medicaid- During the previous legislative sessions, there has been a bid for Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. Many are waiting to see if it gets anywhere this time around.

Marijuana-A revised medical marijuana amendment has been proposed to ease the suffering of those with chronic illnesses such as ALS and cancer.

Guns-After the November 20, shooting at Florida State University, there is renewed interest to repeal the ban of guns on campus. Most university presidents across Florida are opposed to the bill.

Gambling-This a battle between gambling resort owners and those who want to maintain Florida’s family friendly attractions. The state’s five year, $ 1 billion casino compact with the Seminole tribe expires this year. Lawmakers must decide if they want to expand gambling beyond tribal reservations.

Insurance-Some are pushing for statewide insurance requirements and background checks for ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft. These companies assert they are tech firms and not taxi services.

Other bills for consideration include:

Repeal capital punishment

Necessitate greyhound tracks to report dog injuries to the state

Regulate the use of remote controlled drones

Provide financial education and job training for people with developmental disabilities

Parties, gatherings and football games usually include an abundance of food and seasonal libations. It is easy to get carried away with the celebration and lose track of how many drinks you have consumed. The most dangerous thing you can do at that point, is get behind the wheel. Every driver is familiar with the risky practice of driving while intoxicated.

“Florida drivers ought to be proactive and avoid placing themselves and others in a dangerous situation this holiday season, said Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance. “Driving after having too many drinks can create financial burdens, affect future employment, be grounds for raised or dropped auto insurance coverage and worse, cause serious injuries or death along with long term guilt and shame.”

The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has launched their annual campaign to curb drinking and driving. The, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” campaign lasts through January 1, 2015. During last year’s efforts, 421 impaired drivers were removed from the roads to keep themselves and others safe. “It will be hard to enjoy the holiday season when you are sitting in a jail cell or worse,” said Colonel David H. Brierton, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol.

FHP offers some tips for keeping the roadways safe in Florida this holiday season.

Plan ahead and find a designated driver. Keep in mind, one drink can increase the risk of a crash.

If you feel “buzzed” or had too much to drink, call a cab, friend or family member for a ride. At drinkinganddriving.org, you can find a list of designated driver services available in Florida counties. Some of the services will transport you and your vehicle safely home.

If you spot an impaired driver on the road, call *FHP (*347). This simple act could save a life.

Drivers who get behind the wheel of a vehicle often think they are fine to drive. Unfortunately, someone who has been drinking has an altered perception and is unable to properly identify danger. Impairment begins after only one drink and impaired drivers fail to recognize they are not safe to operate a car. Reactions times are slowed down and those who have been drinking tend to disregard speed limits. They have difficulty steering and tracking moving objects. They experience reduced coordination and struggle focusing on driving.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in Florida, drivers are considered legally intoxicated and can be arrested and charged with a DUI with a .08 blood alcohol level. Blood alcohol content, (BAC), or blood alcohol concentration is the concentration of alcohol in your blood. In Florida, adults cannot legally exceed .08, drivers under 21 years old cannot exceed .02 and commercial drivers have a limit of .04.

Buzzed driving can be just as dangerous. Driving ability can be impaired below the legal alcohol limit. Even if there is no .08 BAC reading, an arrest can be made on the observations of the officer using roadside sobriety checks.

Florida prohibits texting while driving but hand held cell phone use is permitted. Safety minded Florida drivers have embraced hands free devices such as earpieces, the speakerphone or a dashboard auto system in an effort to promote safety but are they really that much safer?

The National Safety Council, (NSC) released a report about the distraction a hands free cell phone conversation can have on your mind and how that can affect your driving. Their results show it causes slow response and reaction times. It also proves difficult for drivers to maintain their lane.

Having our sight is vital while driving. Not only is talking on a cell phone while driving a cognitive distraction but a visual distraction as well. Multitasking significantly narrows our field of view. The report it states, “Drivers using hands free phones have a tendency to “look at” but not “see” objects. Estimates indicate that drivers using cell phones look but fail to see 50 percent of information in their driving environment. It is a condition similar to tunnel vision.”

When your brain is distracted, even by something as seemingly harmless as a cell phone conversation, it cannot process everything in the roadway making the driver unable to identify potentially hazardous situations and unable to respond to unexpected situations. It is referred to as “inattention to blindness” and caused by the cognitive distraction of a cell phone conversation.

“Drivers generally know when they are physically or visually distracted from the road but, it can be more difficult to discern when they take their mind off the road,” said Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance.

Voice command infotainment systems are developed by car makers with the goal of contributing to driver safety. It is designed to make performing tasks in your vehicle hassle free, convenient and hands free.

AAA’s Foundation for Traffic Safety released a report that evaluated the demands of using hands free voice systems. The report is entitled, “Mental Workload of Common Voice-Based Vehicle Interactions across Six Different Vehicle Systems”. They took six top automakers’ voice activated infotainment systems and put them to the test.

They conducted a research using 18 men and 18 women and measured brain activity, heart rate and had a passenger evaluate their reactions. At the end of the study each participant took a questionnaire about their experience. The drivers were given a map and task assignments such as, “from your contacts, call Joel Cooper on his cell” and “tune the radio to 103.5 FM.”

AAA’s results suggest that even if a driver’s eyes are on the road and their hands are on the wheel, their ability to respond may be impaired. “Common voice tasks are generally more demanding than natural conversations, listening to the radio, or listening to a book on tape.” They also reported that system errors, such as the system, not recognizing your command can cause frustration and increase your cognitive workload.

Below are the results of the in-car voice systems beginning with the system, which imposed modest demands to the systems which required the most mental work.

A vehicle breakdown never comes at a good time, especially if that vehicle is an integral part of your business success. Regular service and maintenance of your commercial fleet, whether it is one car or many will keep your business moving forward.

Preventative auto maintenance will ensure the safety of your company’s vehicle. A regular brake inspection can reveal a problem with the brakes, so you know before they go out.

Overall auto performance can also be improved. Proper oil levels usually result in better gas mileage and lower your vehicle’s emissions. Maintaining a car’s fluids, belts, hoses, filters and tire pressure will prolong its life on the road and as part of your team. In the long run you will save money and time while providing driver confidence.

If your company does not already have one in placeBusiness Fleet Magazine, provides 8 quick steps to developing a preventative maintenance plan for commercial vehicles.

Keep in mind, the goal of a preventative maintenance plan is to reduce mechanic visits outside of scheduled maintenance.

Make a spreadsheet to track each vehicle.

Create an annual budget.

If any vehicles are behind on maintenance, take them into a shop and get them up to date.

Establish driver and mechanic communication, drivers are more likely to be attentive to maintenance if they are part of the process.

Follow manufacturer recommendations for each vehicle.

Vehicles engaged in adverse conditions might need a more aggressive preventative maintenance plan. Make sure the plan is designed for the kind of work the vehicle performs.

Keep up communication with the driver. Ask on a regular basis if there are any issues with the vehicle.

While a preventative maintenance schedule could cost more upfront, in the long run it can save your company lots of money and less time with a mechanic.

Consider setting up a schedule with a particular shop to do perform all of your vehicle work. Also, place someone in charge of the maintenance from your company, either the car driver or a fleet manager.

“To clear up any confusion, any auto used for work related tasks with the exception of commuting, is considered a commercial vehicle,” reports Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance. “Eligibility, definitions, coverages, exclusions and limits are the differences between a commercial auto policy and your personal car insurance.”

GreatFlorida can make sure you have the commercial car and truck insurance you need. We offer commercial coverage on a variety of trucks such as flat beds, tow trucks and semi-trucks, vans, SUV’s and cars. Visit us online at www.greatflorida.com or call us at 1-888-478-7801 for a quote.